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Oshkosh TPV

Written by Susan Geoghegan

Oshkosh Defense is a leading manufacturer of military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles. Oshkosh provides a global service and supply network, including remanufacturing. A division of Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh Defense offers a full line of conventional and hybrid vehicles proven worldwide in the areas of performance, protection and reliability.

In October 2009, Oshkosh introduced the Tactical Protector Vehicle (TPV), a high- mobility tactical vehicle specifically designed for law enforcement. The maneuverability and speed of the TPV makes it appropriate for both urban and rural environments. The TPV also provides maximum protection for the crew. The TPV offers optimal speed, mobility and safety in situations from first-response, to barricaded gunman, to officer-citizen rescue.

The TPV uses a redesigned chassis and armor system taken from the Oshkosh Sandcat, which is used for military, border patrol and national security applications. This Ford F-550 chassis uses a 6.4L, 325 hp diesel V8 and selectable 4-wheel drive, and it has a top speed of 75 mph. The transport variant has a payload capacity of 3,650 pounds, and the utility variant has a payload capacity of 4,650 pounds. The compact vehicle is 88 inches tall and 198 inches long with a 116-inch wheelbase. Its car-like size allows it to go where larger armored tactical vehicles cannot, such as alleyways, driveways and parking garages.

The base price of the TPV is just under $200K. Many options are available for customization. Interior options include seating configurability, additional bucket seating and side-facing rear bench seats. Blast-resistant suspended seats can be substituted in place of bucket seats, and console, storage and rear HVAC are also options. Other protection options include rotating roof-top turret, radiator protection, blast-resistant V-shaped belly plate and Remote Weapon Station.

The order-to-delivery time for the TPV is between four and six months, depending on vehicle configuration and options. Upon delivery, agencies are provided with a full overview of the vehicle, with additional operator and maintainer training for the installed options, if needed. Because the standard F-550 dashboard controls were incorporated into the design of the TPV, drivers experience a natural “Ford Truck” feel.

According to Jack Reiff, program director for the Tactical Protector Vehicle, the TPV is a viable option for smaller agencies that often acquire tactical vehicles through joint purchase and operational agreements with neighboring municipalities. Reiff states that “The versatility and re-configurability of the TPV makes it an especially good choice for smaller cities because the TPV can be used for multiple missions: SWAT transport, crowd control and daily patrolling.”

Susan Geoghegan is a freelance writer living in Naples, FL. She can be reached at sgeofl@embarqmail.com.